FCPS CARES - February 2025

-a Churchill Road ES parent

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Sofie Alavi, Colvin Run ES

"Mrs. Alavi goes above and beyond for her students every day. Her enthusiasm for teaching them and being with them is apparent at all times and her level of caring is apparent to anyone that sees her interact with her students. Her warm spirit is what sets up her students for success every day. I have volunteered at several class events and always notice that Mrs. Alavi always sees the best quality in each of her students and treats each student with those best qualities in mind. My 3rd grader has thrived with her ability to address his behavior and focus challenges as learning opportunities that are a stepping stones to being the best student he can be. She has infinite amounts of patience for her students and whole heartedly supports them as they creative spirit blossoms. Her ability to be a great leader, teacher, manager and motivator of 3rd graders (and make it look so effortless) is why I nominated her for this award."

-a Colvin Run ES parent

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Avery O Connor, Fort Hunt ES

"Avery provides a caring and inclusive learning environment for all of her students. She goes above and beyond to make staff and students feel welcome. Avery brings an energetic and kind attitude to school every single day, which positively impacts everyone at Fort Hunt. She helps students learn and grow not only in the academic setting, but in their peer relationships as well. I aspire to have the amazing connections she has with so many students at our school! "

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Jennifer Fargo & Gretchen Snyder, Westfield HS

"I received very prompt and detailed communication regarding choosing certain high school courses. The records were researched, and clear explanations were provided for all my questions. Additional resources for our decision-making were made available. Also, the big picture from a college perspective was helpful. This is our first year at Westfield High School, and we hope student/ parents experience will remain at the same high level. Thank you for all your assistance!"

-a Westfield HS parent

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Saira Villeda, Centreville HS

"Saira Villeda is an exceptional counselor who consistently goes above and beyond to support multilingual learners at Centreville High School. She is a tireless advocate for her students, ensuring they receive the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed. Her ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students and families creates a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Saira’s dedication is evident in the way she engages with families, collaborates with staff, and provides unwavering support in any way possible. Her commitment to student success and well-being makes her truly deserving of FCPS CARES recognition."

-Montell Brown, Centreville HS

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Antonella Luciano Doherty, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Ms. Doherty has truly gone above and beyond in her role as an Instructional Assistant in our adapted curriculum program. This year, we launched a pen pal project with a partner school, and Ms. Doherty volunteered to take the lead in preparing special Valentine's Day letters. She took the initiative to design a lacing craft activity where students created handmade envelopes, helping them develop fine motor skills. Not only did she prepare the craft materials at home, but she also went the extra mile by purchasing stickers and embellishments to enhance the activity. Today, we sent off the beautiful letters to our partner school, and they were a true reflection of Ms. Doherty's dedication and creativity! Thank you, Ms. Doherty!"

-Susanne Cook, Lake Braddock Secondary

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Lindsay Peterson, Lane ES

" I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible work Lindsay Peterson, our long-term art substitute has done over the past few months. She has gone above and beyond in every aspect of her role as a substitute art teacher. Lindsay wears many hats at Lane Elementary, she is a parent, community, staff, and vigilante PTA member. Beyond covering classes, she has dedicated countless hours, often staying late, to ensure a smooth transition for my returning colleague. The art room is beautifully organized and welcoming thanks to her efforts. She also cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the school, from the vibrant houseplants in the main office to the constantly replenished supply of hot beverages in the staff lounge. Her lessons are engaging and fun, and students have continued to explore a wide range of art mediums under her guidance while their art teacher has been away. Finally, the beautiful student artwork displayed in our hallways is a testament to her dedication and talent. My colleagues have been complimenting the displays, but all the credit belongs to her. We are incredibly fortunate to have her, and her contributions are deeply appreciated."

-Xena Morales, Lane ES

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Sherry Giuseppe, Oak View ES

"Sherry Giuseppe is more than a sixth grade teacher. She is instrumental in organizing schoolwide initiatives that benefit our children and community. She and her co-leader revived the Spelling Bee, she created a Student Leadership Group, and spearheaded Heritage Night last year, and this year. She is constantly searching for ways to recognize and promote our hardworking students in positive ways that also teach them to become global citizens. Thank you Sherry!"

-Lora Adams, Oak View ES

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Iman Bahabib, Mount Vernon HS

"Iman Bahabib is an amazing support for our ESOL students! As our ESOL Department Chairperson, she makes sure that all our language learners get the appropriate support in classes as well as accommodations for testing. At this time of year, during WIDA testing, she has gone above and beyond to help get our students in for testing. She assists with proctoring, including doing many one-on-one sessions with students who are more nervous about completing the Speaking test around other students. She has been a tremendous help with locating students within the building who still need to test. She makes my job as Assessment Coach much more manageable at this time of year. We couldn't do it without her!!"

- Pamela Ihle, Mount Vernon HS

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Christine Lee, Eagle View ES

"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Mrs. Christine Lee and the incredible impact she has made on my child. Her dedication to her students extends far beyond the classroom, and her genuine support has not gone unnoticed. Not only does she inspire and engage her students academically, which we had the privilege of experiencing last academic year, but she also goes above and beyond to encourage them in their personal pursuits. We were truly touched when she took the time to attend my child’s travel soccer match last spring. Her presence meant the world to him and showed just how much she cares about her students as individuals. This year she has welcomed our child back weekly to take on helpful tasks around the classroom as a volunteer. She continues to be a role model and supporter even after he departed EV as a student. Further, she goes out her way to acknowledge his little brother, a current 4th grader at Eagle View, and make him feel welcome and important as he goes about his day at school. She is a special teacher and a clear demonstration of the type of educator we need more of! Mrs. Lee’s commitment to fostering a supportive and uplifting environment is a testament to her passion for teaching. I feel incredibly fortunate to have her guiding and encouraging my children. Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to her for all that she does."

-an Eagle View ES parent

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Joanne Heaton, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Joanne's dedication to supporting our schools and students is truly commendable. Despite the significant workload in Procurement and the challenge of coordinating multiple departments, including IT, Instructional Services, the Office of Testing and Reporting, and Special Education's accessibility experts, Joanne consistently goes above and beyond. Her persistence in navigating complex schedules, combined with her skillful use of technology to streamline processes, has been instrumental in keeping two critical RFPs on track. Joanne's commitment, even working on snow days, ensures that our schools will have the necessary resources in place for the coming year. Thank you, Joanne, for your outstanding efforts!

-Kirsten Maloney, Ryan Thomas, & Jackie Kwon, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Maureen Goble, Chris Bonnaffon, Mark Khosravi & Amanda Moreland, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Thanks to Ms. Goble, Mr. Bonnaffon, Mr. Khosarvi, and Ms. Moreland, Ms. Goble organized and all 4 teachers chaperoned a trip to Key Largo for the AP Environmental Science and Oceanography students. My son sometimes requires accommodations for equal access. All four teachers went above and beyond to make sure that he was comfortable and could enjoy the trip. He had a wonderful time and even made two new friends which is exciting alone. I am so thankful to all the teachers for providing this opportunity.

-a Lake Braddock Secondary parent

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Iffat Batool, McNair Upper ES

"At the beginning of the 24-25 school year, McNair Upper ES had an enhanced autism teacher vacancy that we could not fill. As a result, we opened up the search for a long-term substitute teacher that Ms. Batool applied for. From the moment the interviewing panel met Ms. Batool, we knew she was the right fit for the students, families, and colleagues she would work alongside in this role. It is now mid-February and Ms. Batool is still serving in this role. Ms. Batool is an incredibly warm and caring colleague who exemplifies professionalism. She shows up to work every day with a both a positive attitude and a smile that is contagious. Although the students Ms. Batool supports have both academic and socio-emotional needs; many of whom are also non-verbal, she handles the job with great ease. She works collaboratively with a team to ensure her students feel safe, respected, and are learning to the best of their ability. She is reflective and accepts feedback, not only, to better herself, but to support the students she has grown to love. Ms. Batool has gone above and beyond the role of a long-term substitute and is deserving of this recognition. Our school community is very fortunate to have such an incredibly committed colleague in Ms. Batool. On behalf of our staff, we are glad she is part of the MUES Family!"

- Melissa Goddin, McNair Upper ES

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Lindsay Puffer, Lake Braddock Secondary

"I can not put into words how grateful I am for Lindsay. She is extremely organized, prompt, flexible, helpful, and an overall amazing human being. She is a fabulous teacher, phenomenal department chair, and a huge team player. I am so thankful for all her help and support with the MATH MAP this year replacing the VGA. Thank you for all your help and support-I could not have done it without you!!"

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock Secondary

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Norma Pena-Hernandez, Forte Transportation Training Center

"I would like to take a moment to recognize Ms. Norma Pena-Hernandez for her exceptional dedication and commitment to the success of our transportation training center. She has gone above and beyond her required duties, demonstrating an unwavering passion for enhancing our training programs and resources. Recently, Ms. Pena-Hernandez proactively took it upon herself to learn the intricacies of various applications to enhance our professional development presentations. Not only did she master these tools, but she shared her newfound knowledge with her colleagues, ensuring that our entire team could benefit from her expertise. In addition to her impressive initiative in technology integration, Ms. Pena-Hernandez has been instrumental in revamping our training files organization within Google. Her strategic approach has transformed the way our training materials are structured, making it significantly easier for other instructors to access the tools they need. Thank you, Ms. Pena- Hernandez for your hard work, innovation, and leadership. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on the training center as a whole!"

- Robin Williams, Forte Transportation Training Center

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Lauretta Garrett, Mark Harrington, Paul Marinero, Clinton Maldonado & SRO Brad Wrobel, Mountain View HS

"The members of the Safety and Security Team at Mountain View High School/ALC are the best. They go far beyond simply keeping our school safe. The relationships they build with students create a climate of trust and care and make a difference in our students' lives. From doing resources checks at students' homes to providing food to hungry students to being active members in our Student Intervention Team, they embody the school's motto of Family, Love, Respect. One of our security team members, Lauretta Garrett, even drives a Mt. View bus route when needed! They are valued members of the Mountain View family."

-Kim Witeck, Mountain View HS

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Carrington Beasley, Amanda Bowser, & John Stimac, Bryant HS

"I would like to recognize and extend my appreciation to three outstanding educators who make up Bryant’s MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Team: Carrington Beasley, Amanda Bowser, and Dr. John Stimac. Each of these individuals plays a critical role in our efforts to support and uplift every student at Bryant, and their dedication to our MTSS work is truly commendable.

Carrington Beasley leads our Academic Subcommittee, where she is spearheading a Literacy Activity across content areas, encouraging all teachers to participate. Her initiative not only fosters collaboration among educators but also helps identify the most effective methods in their classrooms, creating opportunities for teachers to share and learn from one another.

Amanda Bowser heads our Wellness Subcommittee and has focused on the social-emotional well-being of our students. By analyzing the SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Screener, she identifies where students struggle the most, and is creating a monthly bulletin board highlighting emotional awareness and positive coping strategies. Her work ensures that our students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

Dr. John Stimac, leading our Behavior/Attendance Subcommittee, tirelessly analyzes attendance data and has developed a comprehensive attendance survey to understand why students are missing school. His dedication to identifying the root causes and creating targeted interventions is pivotal in our ongoing efforts to combat chronic absenteeism at Bryant.

Together, these three educators collaborate closely, meeting weekly to organize and plan sub-group and whole-group committee meetings. They complement each other’s strengths and work seamlessly to implement effective interventions, at a Tier 1, 2 and 3 level, that directly support our students. Their commitment to building relationships, fostering a positive school environment, and using data-driven strategies is inspiring. I am truly honored to oversee such an incredible team, and I am deeply grateful for the passion and commitment they bring to our MTSS work. They make a significant impact on our students’ lives every day, and we are lucky to have them as part of Team Bryant!"

- Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

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Blanca Guardado, Alan Leis Center

" I’m currently in the process of applying for FCPS 2025-2026 Pre-K program. Ms. Blanca Guardado was assigned as my Family Services representative. I’d like to take the time to highlight what a pleasure she’s been to work with thus far. As a first time mom naturally I had many questions in regards to the application process and FCPS Pre-K program. Ms. Guardado has been nothing but kind and patient in taking her time to answer all my questions. She’s also helped ease my worries by offering great advice on how to successfully transition my daughter into a school setting for the first time. Communication with Ms. Guardado, both via phone and email, has been clear, informative, and timely. Ms. Guardado is my first impression of FCPS and its staff and I’m happy to say it’s an excellent one! Thank you"

-a FCPS Pre-K parent

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Martha Arias, John Fasanaro, Barnabas Musimwa, Hussein Abdullahi, Linford Starr, Tony Torres Ramos, Lidia Ventura Diaz & John Stock, Stonecroft Transportation

"The bus drivers for our Mountain View students embody our school's motto of Family, Love, Respect. It is clear that the relationships they have forged with our students convey care and respect. They help to get our students' day off to a positive start and we are fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people taking care of them on the way to and from school. They are valued members of the Mountain View family!"

-Kim Witech, Mountain View HS

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Hannah Ryan, Fort Hunt ES

"Hannah Ryan deserves a FCPS Cares shout out for her dedication and impact on our students at Fort Hunt. As our speech pathologist, Hannah works tirelessly to support children with a wide range of communication challenges, always bringing patience, compassion, and creativity even when helping students that she may not directly work with. Whether it’s helping a student improve their overall self expression and communication or supporting them in overcoming speech barriers, Ms. Ryan fosters an inclusive environment where each child feels heard and valued. Her ability to connect with students and make learning both fun and effective is inspiring. We are grateful for the positive difference she makes every day in our school community, and she deserves recognition for her hard work and commitment."

- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Angela Almond & Chris Farmerie, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Assistant Principal, Chris Farmerie and the custodian staff led by Angela Almond from Lake Braddock Secondary always go the extra mile to provide the best customer service during our instructional job fairs. We wanted to take a moment to recognize and express our sincere gratitude for the outstanding customer service the staff consistently provides. The dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. On several occasions, we have witnessed how the staff promptly responds to requests on a tight schedule. They always maintain a cheerful outlook and they create a comfortable space for every that truly makes a difference. Thank you for your professionalism, kindness, and exceptional service. You are an integral part of the success of our instructional job fairs, and your contributions are deeply appreciated. Warm regards, Recruitment Team – Office of Talent Acquisition and Management"

-Nataly Mautino, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Joshua Fisher, Woodson Complex

"Joshua Fisher is a locksmith extraordinaire! He responds to our calls quickly and is so kind and efficient. Thank you Joshua!!"

-Lisa Dockins, Colin Powell ES

Harrison Jones, Herndon ES

" I can say with certainty that for now it is the best school that my daughter has. I admire Mr. Jones for educating and teaching each student with respect, character and about all he demonstrates. For example, in class, if a plan doesn’t work for a child, or the child doesn’t understand, Mr. Jones changes the plan but doesn’t change the goal."

-a Herndon ES parent

Betty Ablimit, Chantilly HS

"I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for Ms. Ablimit’s dedication to our local Uyghur community. Two years ago, she took the initiative to establish a teen girls’ volleyball team in our community, and has since volunteered and dedicated her time every Friday to coach and mentor the teen girls who are the students of FCPS. She has also sponsored clubs started by Uyghur students at Chantilly High, as well as, mentored and tutored youth in need. She provided support for the parents of children with special needs by educating them about their children’s IEPs and the resources available for them in the county. Her unwavering commitment and selfless contributions have made a meaningful impact in our community, and we sincerely appreciate her efforts."

-a Chantilly HS parent

Val Sesso, Fairview Park

"Val’s voice was able to calm my fears from the very first "hello." As a soon-to-be retired teacher navigating the complexities of the DROP program, I had countless questions, concerns, and, admittedly, more than a little confusion. With every call—yes, there was more than one—and every email—yes, there were several—Val was there with patience, kindness, and an incredible depth of knowledge. She took the time to not only answer my questions but also help me figure out what I needed to ask in the first place. Her ability to explain the process clearly, combined with her reassuring demeanor, made all the difference. Val exemplifies what it means to provide exceptional support, and I am beyond grateful for her guidance. Thank you, Val, for your dedication and compassion. You truly made a difference in my journey!"

-Laura Leydon, Robinson Secondary

Melissa Caballero, Bryant HS

"I would like to recognize Melissa "Claudia" Caballero for an FCPS Cares award. Bryant holds not one, but two graduations each year, which means double the work: award assemblies, programs, and all the planning and coordination that go into organizing a high school graduation. Melissa works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready, often chasing down others to gather the necessary details to make it all happen. Despite the challenges, she does it all with a positive attitude and a smiling face, never complaining. Melissa consistently puts others first, and to say that she lightens my load is truly an understatement. Since after winter break, we have been short-staffed with a missing family liaison, front office person, and administrative assistant. Yet, she goes above and beyond, stepping up daily to assist at the front desk, answer questions, handle attendance, all while managing the planning of this February graduation and the daily responsibilities of enrolling new students as our Student Services registrar. I simply cannot thank Melissa enough. I am incredibly grateful to have someone like her, who is always solution-oriented and ready to step in, with a smile to match!"

-Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

Bryan Lewis, West Potomac HS

"Bryan has been helpful to bounce ideas off of and seek advice from. He's someone I can check in with to make sure we are all in sync with the focus of lessons; lesson planning; and assessments given to students. He's been helpful in the past two years and I appreciate it highly."

- Tim Stuecheli, West Potomac HS

Lucy Zamora, London Towne ES

"Since our son transitioned to London Towne in the middle of the 2023-24 school year, Lucy Zamora has consistently shown him care, patience and respect. She has worked to build a trusting relationship with him and he considers her to be his safe person when he's having a hard time during the academic school day or needs help solving a problem with a peer. Ms. Zamora has been declared, "the best part of school," on numerous occasions. We are grateful for the time she has taken to build this relationship."

-a London Towne ES parent

Joshua Saville, Hunters Woods ES

"Our amazing art teacher, Mr. Joshua Saville, created a large paint-by-number mural in one of our school hallways. He thought it might be something fun to start the new year. Initially it was a pencil sketch, and even then the students and teachers were intrigued. Mr. Saville then invited staff members to visit the space and paint an area of their choosing. Teachers and staff members could be seen throughout the week stopping to add a color to the wall. Students walking by were thrilled to see as, little by little, the mural neared completion. "I give that a 12 out of 10!", one first grader said. "Wow! That's our school!", said another. "All of the teachers are artists!", another student chimed in. The mural was the talk of the town amongst adults, too. Many sharing how much they loved the idea and the opportunity to participate as a part of our staff family. The amount of joy this kind gesture brought to our entire school can't be measured. THANK YOU, Mr. Saville! We appreciate you!"

-Laura King, Hunters Wood ES

Kim Hudson, Key Center

"Kim Hudson is an outstanding teacher. My son has been in her class for several years at Key Center and she continues to amaze me with new ideas and strategies to help my son learn and be able to participate in his environment. She is a keen observer and picks up on small changes in his demeanor -- she can basically spot a seizure coming from a mile away. Kim is also a greater communicator which is so important when dealing with a non-verbal kid like mine. She makes me feel "in the loop" about his day which I love since he can't tell me himself. Thank you, Kim. "

-a Key Center parent

Kenny Carter & Brad Hollis, Instructional Programs Support Center

"Kenny, Brad and their team helped the Adapted Curriculum team facilitate the creation and distribution of over 1,100 workboxes for special education students in our Career Preparation classes at high schools throughout FCPS They helped us as materials were delivered and were amazing throughout the process. The moved pallets of items up and down off of various shelves and helped us get whatever items we needed each day. They were warm and welcoming to our community outreach volunteers from the Downs Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. Once all of the workboxes were put together they wrapped all of the pallets and delivered materials to 24 schools. Throughout the process they went out of their way to be thoughtful, helpful, and make sure everything went smoothly. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, students throughout the county will have materials to help them build career skills they will use long after they leave FCPS. Thank you Brad and Kenny for your support!'

- Caitlin Radek, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Abigail Slezak, Justice HS

" Anyone who works with Abbi knows that she goes above and beyond to support both the staff and her students! Her patience, attention to detail, and dedication is outstanding. As the Biology CT Lead, Abbi works tirelessly to foster collaboration and advocate for the needs of students and her team. She mentors Biology Teachers who are new to Justice (and FCPS) and helps out in the Science Department wherever she can, listening to others and finding solutions that benefit not solely the Biology Team, but our department as a whole. She provides the calm in the storm that is sometimes desperately needed. Despite her busy schedule as Head Volleyball Coach, she still checks in on others (including myself!) with the understanding of not just a colleague, but the compassion of a friend. I hope that she knows her efforts do not go unseen, and we appreciate having her in the Science Department. Justice High School is so lucky!"

- Kirsten Salonga, Justice HS

Ingy Rucker, Union Mill ES

"I would like to nominate Ingy Rucker for the FCPS Cares Award, as she truly embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Words like "amazing," "outstanding," and "phenomenal" hardly scratch the surface when describing the impact she has on her students. Ms. Rucker’s love for her students goes beyond the classroom—she genuinely cares about their well-being, always in tune with how they are feeling and offering support when they aren't quite themselves.

Her classroom is a place where trust, joy, and excitement for learning flourish. She builds deep, meaningful relationships with her students, ensuring that each one feels seen, heard, and valued. One of the many ways Ms. Rucker nurtures her students is through lunch bunches, where she brings together students from her class and even invites those from other classes to join in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Her joy and passion for teaching radiate through everything she does, and she seamlessly combines the roles of teacher and mentor.

Ms. Rucker is also incredibly intentional in celebrating student successes, big or small. Whether it’s recognizing academic achievements, personal growth, or acts of kindness, she ensures that each student feels proud of their accomplishments. She celebrates them with enthusiasm, offering praise and encouragement that motivates her students to continue striving for greatness. This recognition fosters a positive, supportive environment where students feel confident and inspired to reach their potential.

Her communication with families is exceptional—far more than just the standard weekly updates. She goes above and beyond, sending quick notes and photos whenever something fun or exciting happens in the classroom. Whether it’s a small victory or a special moment, she keeps families connected and involved. She is always responsive and takes time to address any concerns from students or parents with understanding and care.

As a parent, I feel incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Rucker in my daughter’s life. She is everything you hope for in a teacher and more. In uncertain times, she has proven to be a steady rock for her students, staff, and families, and her unwavering commitment to her students is truly inspiring. Ms. Rucker’s dedication, passion, and heart make her the perfect candidate for this well-deserved recognition."

-a Union Mill ES parent

Jamaal Dixon, West Potomac HS

"Jamaal has been very present in the hallways every day helping to make sure the students are moving to class and has been greeting the students as they walk by - especially in a crowded area of our school near the classrooms. It's very much appreciated - Thank you Jamaal!"

-Tim Stuecheli, West Potomac HS

Kerilynn Sims, Virginia Hills Center

"Kerilynn Sims serves as the Procedural Support Liaison for the Robinson Pyramid and Terra Centre Elementary. She consistently provides valuable resources and support to the staff, students, and families of Terra Centre. This week, Kerilynn went above and beyond during a significant staff shortage, offering not only troubleshooting and problem-solving assistance but also stepping in after hours to ensure critical tasks were completed within required deadlines. Her dedication, patience, and expertise have made a meaningful impact on our school, and we are truly grateful for her unwavering support."

- Rebecca Gidoni, Terra Centre ES

AJ Keifer, Lake Braddock Secondary

"I’d like to nominate AJ Keifer for FCPS Cares because she is the kind of teacher who makes everyone around her feel valued and supported. She is an incredible mentor to new teachers, always offering advice, encouragement, and a helping hand. Her creativity and passion shine through in her lessons, making learning fun and engaging for her students. She is constantly coming up with fun an imaginative lessons that cause shock and awe with her students. She has a way of bringing energy into the classroom that makes even the most challenging topics exciting. Beyond her own classroom, she is amazing at collaborating with other teachers, making sure everyone feels included and heard. She is a fabulous co-teacher. AJ goes out of her way to make people feel special—whether it’s a small gesture of kindness, a thoughtful word, or just making time to connect. Her students adore her because she truly sees them, understands them, and makes them feel like they matter. The impact she has on both students and staff is immeasurable, and our school is so lucky to have her."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Karen Kratz, Lake Braddock Secondary

"I’d like to nominate Karen Kratz for FCPS Cares because she is one of the most dedicated, supportive, and caring teachers I know. She goes above and beyond for her students, whether it’s staying late to help them with AP World History, being a patient and understanding listener, or just making sure they know someone believes in them. She creates a space where students feel safe to ask questions, share their struggles, and grow—not just academically, but as people. On top of that, she somehow finds the time and energy to be a Model UN sponsor, a mentor, and a friend. She lifts others up, whether it’s guiding students through tough moments, supporting colleagues, or encouraging her MUN students to take on the world with confidence. Her impact goes far beyond the classroom, and I know so many people—myself included—are grateful to have her in our lives."

- Annika Sypher, Lake Braddock Secondary

Betsy Seitz, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Betsy is an amazing person and teacher. I always enjoy our conversations surrounding instruction and life. She puts her entire sole into her teaching and her students. I love working with her and I am so glad that she is at Lake Braddock!"

-Anonymous

Lukisha Barrera-Gibbs, Hayfield Secondary

"Lukisha Barrera-Gibbs is the Assistant Principal for Hamilton Hall at Hayfield Secondary School. She is a true lead by example and from the front administrator. Every morning she in the hallways, helping guide our students to class, engaging with colleagues, and students alike, and does so with a postive and direct approach. She is a clear communicator, and always follows up, no matter the time of day, as quickly as she can. In her tenure at Hayfield, she has overseen the Special Education and Foreign Language departments, and her subordinates rave about her, how she is always willing to listen and goes above and beyond to support and guide her colleagues, and staff, when needed. Throughout the school day, despite often having many meetings to attend, she still strives to be in the hallways, building relationships with our students, and staff members, whether part of her department or not. I truly appreciate her commitment and dedication to her position. Thank you Dr. Gibbs for your professionalism and passion you bring daily to Hayfield Secondary School!"

- James Mercer, Hayfield Secondary

Lukisha Barrera-Gibbs, Hayfield Secondary

"Lukisha Barrera-Gibbs is a tremendously dedicated administrator and leader who has demonstrated great fortitude in the face of so many challenges we currently face at our school. She is present in the hallways and classrooms, she checks in on staff and genuinely cares about our well-being, and she shows such integrity and exemplary work ethic. She makes time to attend CT meetings and respond to emails and concerns from staff in the midst of constantly putting out fires, handling disciplinary issues, and keeping pride in our school at a time when morale is very low. She does this all maintaining a smile on her face that is genuine because we know she truly cares about staff and students. Her character allows us to put full confidence in her and follow her lead."

-Anonymous

Juan Meza, Sideburn Support Center

"The day before an impending ice event, our sand delivery did not occur. As a result, I reached out to the Facilities Office for help, and that office connected me to Juan. Juan wanted to help, but everyone had been sent home early because they were needed at 4am the next day. Juan was able to get a few of his staff members to come back to Sideburn, load up their truck, and then deliver the sand to Dranesville (about 40 miles round trip) during rush hour. As a result, we were ready to go for the ice the next morning. He could have easily told us he couldn't do it, but Juan did it because "the students' safety is the most important thing." Thanks Juan!"

- Rob Plunkett, Dranvesville ES

Molly Buchanan, Woodburn ES

" We are so fortunate to have Ms. Buchanan as our school social worker. Ms. Buchanan is a steady and reliable partner for our staff and families. She is always looking for ways to help our families and truly goes above and beyond. Whether that be through a home visit, connecting families with resources, or be a listening ear, minimize barriers has always been at the focus of her work. Ms. Buchanan is also a member of our attendance team and has been instrumental in advocating for our community. She collaborates weekly with our attendance team, facilitates attendance conferences, and most importantly, makes sure that our students know they are cared for and that they have a home at Woodburn."

- Kelley Dauberman, Woodburn ES

Billy Shirley, Woodburn ES

"Mr. Shirley is our dedicated PE teacher, always ready to step in wherever needed. He is one of the first Woodburn staff members our students and families encounter on a daily basis as he welcomes students off the bus. He is constantly looking for ways to improve our physical education program and create opportunities for students that they might not have. Last year this included advocating for the installation of a rock wall and bringing the bike program to Woodburn. On several occasions I heard families approach him at arrival or dismissal to share how excited their student was to learn how to ride. Mr. Shirley goes above and beyond for our students. He is always looking for a need to fill whether that be inviting them to the gym to cool down, setting up a time at lunch to connect with them, or giving a student a new pair of tennis shoes because they wear crocs every day. Mr. Shirley embodies what is to be a caring and trusted adult at Woodburn."

- Kelley Dauberman, Woodburn ES

Suzanna Gonzalez, Springfield Estates ES

"Ms. Gonzales is a Spanish teacher at Springfield estates. She serves a wide variety of students. The students she teaches ranges from gifted and talented students to nonverbal students. She goes the extra mile to ensure all students have a learning opportunity. She strives to ensure no matter the ability or disability to provide meaningful, challenging, and scaffolded lessons for her students. Her classroom is welcoming of all students and engaging. She demonstrates superior patience when in the classroom with all students. She takes time to build relationships and get to know the unique needs of all the students she teaches. She puts so much heart and compassion to her lessons and students success. I am proud to be an eagle alongside her. Thank you for your inclusive and thoughtful lesson planning and instruction."

-Anonymous

Susan Crank & Heather Full, Virginia Hills Early Childhood

"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for Susan Crank's and Heather Full's incredible support as mentors to our new early childhood special education teachers. Their guidance has been invaluable. I especially appreciate their thoughtfulness and willingness to help with all the necessary paperwork and processes involved in special education on top of their growing caseload. It can be quite overwhelming, and their expertise has made all the difference in helping our new teachers feel confident and supported. Knowing our new teachers can rely on both of these professionals has been a huge relief. THANK YOU!"

- Erin Snell, Bull Run Early Childhood

Paul Lindsay, Clermont ES

"I would like to share the extraordinary kindness of Paul Lindsay, our band director at Clermont Elementary School. Paul is an itinerant band teacher within FCPS and is currently assigned to several different schools. Paul stopped by one day and asked if there was anything he could assist with helping me prepare for my concert. On Monday, Paul drove over to Clermont from the West Potomac Pyramid on his planning time and on a day that he wasn't assigned to help me tune close to 100 string instruments. When we completed the tuning, Paul jumped back into his car and zipped back over to West Potomac Pyramid to help set up and teach area band after school. Paul, thank you so much for being so kind and you're an amazing human and musician. I'm so fortunate to get to work wit you."

- Stephanie Lewis, Hayfield ES

Regina Johnson, Colin Powell ES

" I would like to recognize Regina Johnson's good work in here. She consistently demonstrates a remarkable willingness to go above and beyond to support her students and their family members, often taking initiative to proactively identify areas where assistance is needed, even if it means stepping outside their regular responsibilities. She is always offering valuable insights and expertise to ensure my child's well-being, even though we are not family with the USA's education system."

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Ellen Mayer-Splain, Mount Vernon HS

"Ellen Mayer-Splain, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ARTs) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. ART recently reached out to Ellen asking if she would mind scheduling a time to collaborate with them on an idea to improve ART and Base School Case Manager communications. Ms. Mayer-Splain was asked because she is already a leader in this area of professionalism and ARTs wanted to better understand her approach. Ms. Mayer-Splain was a wealth of information and suggestions and approached our conversation with a can do and problem-solving attitude. Not only did ARTs leave with great ideas for the initial reason for our meeting, but she allowed ARTs to explore many topics and brainstorm additional opportunities for collaboration on behalf of shared students with disabilities. ARTs left the meeting commenting on how productive it was to meet with Ms. Mayer-Splain. It was so refreshing to share honest, forthright, constructive, inspiring, creative and engaging conversation with an FCPS team member and colleague. Our time spent with Ms. Mayer-Splain and the insights she shared are now guiding our direction for changes we plan to implement in our department. Ellen Mayer-Splain continues to be generous with her time, experience, and resources and is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Sheryl Arenholz, West Springfield HS

"Sheryl Arenholz, school counselor at West Springfield High School is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ARTs) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. At the beginning of the year, she met with the West Potomac Academy Counselor, and ARTs to thoroughly explain the severe mental health challenges a student was facing and explained in detail the plan to support the student across base school and academy settings. Because of this continuum of support, the senior was finally able to attend a medical academy class after years of aspiration. Sheryl Arenholz is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Lindsey LaFontaine, West Potomac HS

"Lindsey LaFontaine, the ETR at West Potomac High School, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for the WPHS students pursuing their career goals at the academies. Ms. LaFontaine works closely with ART, CTE teachers, and WPHS IEP teams to ensure students are fully supported. Her dedication sets students up for success -- Lindsey LaFontaine is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Andrew Blitch, Kenneth Day & Derrick Dent, Justice HS

"Andrew Blitch, Kenneth Day, and Derrick Dent from Justice High School are being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for their exceptional support of students with IEPs. These teachers welcomed ARTs into their classrooms to speak with their students about the opportunities available within the Academies and have been instrumental in supporting ARTs by identifying students who would benefit from Academy Resource Support and adding service hours at the beginning of the year. It is clear that they have all developed strong and positive relationships with their students and are also invested in supporting their students’ future career interests through prospective Academy courses. Andrew Blitch, Kenneth Day, and Derrick Dent are truly the GOATs!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Michelle Morgan, Plum Center for Lifelong Learning/ Falls Church Nursing Academy

"Michelle Morgan, CTE Teacher at Plum Center - Nursing Program, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for students pursuing their career goals. Ms. Morgan works closely with ARTs and IEP teams to ensure students are fully supported in nursing courses. Her dedication sets students up for success – Michelle Morgan is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Wan Zhang, Fairfax HS

"Wan Zhang, Chinese Teacher at Fairfax Academy, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. ARTs particularly appreciate the way she proactively communicates student progress, challenges, and successes, fostering a strong partnership in supporting their learning. She also works diligently with students, providing individualized support and guidance to help them reach their full potential. Wan Zhang is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Rebecca Cousins, West Springfield HS

"Becky Cousins, the ETR at West Springfield High School, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for consistently going above and beyond to create opportunities that positively impacts WSHS students pursuing their career goals at academies. Ms. Cousins works closely with ART, CTE teachers, and IEP teams to ensure WSHS students are fully supported while at an academy. Recently, Ms. Cousins organized a five-session Academy Presentation for over 70 WSHS students to promote the technical and specialized programs offered at the different academies. Ms. Cousins is a strong advocate for both students and ART -- Becky Cousins is the GOAT!!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Elizabeth Tally, Chantilly HS

"Beth Tally is being recognized for her exceptional support of her fellow Academy Resource Teachers (ARTs). She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has the resources they need to succeed. The time and effort Ms. Tally dedicates to helping others navigate the position has a ripple effect that benefits all the academies, and most importantly, the students. She makes the ART team stronger and more collaborative. Beth Tally is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Janet Marco, Deer Park ES

"Janet Marco, a Health and Physical Education teacher, consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to her role. She fosters strong relationships with students and communicates effectively with both staff and parents. Furthermore, she willingly supports new teachers in various aspects of the profession. One of her most commendable qualities is her adaptability; in the dynamic environment of education, she readily adjusts to unexpected changes with ease. Her contributions make her an invaluable asset to the Fairfax County community."

- Taylor Gaddy, Deer Park ES

Irene Hall, Edison HS

"Irene Hall is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for being a true champion for students that attend the cosmetology class at Edison Academy. Ms. Hall is incredibly supportive to all students in both Cosmo 1 and Cosmo 2 classes. She always has time to help every student, has a fun joke, and share knowledge. Ms. Hall is hard working, caring and creates and environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Ms. Hall is an extremely hard worker. She has customized multi-page outlines for the chapters for her students, so they have the best opportunity to learn the material. She stays late to meet with parents. She works individually with students to make sure they do their cuts at the correct angles and then has them fix it repeatedly until she feels they learned the skill. She also has great attendance and rarely misses a day of work. Also, Ms. Hall is caring and compassionate towards others, including all the special education students. She reads, reviews and double checks that students IEPs are followed. For example, if there is an accommodation to read aloud and the students are testing, she will go the extra mile to ensure the student gets this accommodation. Additionally, when you walk into the classroom, you can instantly feel the energy in the room and know that the students are in good hands. Ms. Hall jokes around with the students and there is lots of laughter and good vibes. ARTs even notice the students leaving Ms. Hall sweet notes for example, “We love Ms. Hall.” Ms. Hall is a strong teacher at Edison Academy, cares deeply about student success and always lends a helping hand. Thank you for being such a great advocate for all students in Cosmo. Irene Hall is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Eric Fullinwider, Chantilly HS

"Eric Fullinwider is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for being a true champion for students that attend Chantilly Academy. Mr. Fullinwider is a vital member of the Chantilly Academy Support Team, providing invaluable support to Multilingual Learner students across 26 Academy programs. ART truly appreciate his expertise and unwavering willingness to assist in every way possible – Eric Fullinwider is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Melyssa Brennan, Belle View ES

"Ms. Brennan is a wonderful teacher. I appreciate her dedication to finding new and creative ways to challenge her students. She excels at getting the students to do their very best while giving them the freedom to be themselves! We are lucky to have her be part of our child's educational journey."

-a Belle View ES parent

Morgan Storr, Belle View ES

" Mr. Morgan is always smiling, so kind and gentle. He takes great pride in what he does and it shows! Thank you for being such a great role model for the kids!"

-a Belle View ES parent

Naila Chowdhury, Chantilly HS

"Naila Chowdhury, who works in the special education office at Chantilly HS is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for the Chantilly students pursuing their career goals at the Academy. ART appreciates that Ms. Chowdhury consistently ensures that ARTs are invited to students’ IEP meetings. Her dedication sets students up for success -- Naila Chowdhury is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Candace Jones, Centreville HS

" Candice Jones, the ETR at Centreville High School, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for the Centreville students pursuing their career goals at Chantilly Academy. Ms. Jones works closely with ART, CTE teachers, and Centreville's IEP teams to ensure Centreville students are fully supported while at the Academy, away from their high school. Her dedication sets students up for success -- Candice Jones is the GOAT!"

- Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Cory Pena, Belle View ES

"My daughter and I would like to give a shout-out to her teacher, Mrs. Pena. Mrs. Pena has truly gone above and beyond this year to support my daughter. She is attentive to my daughter's needs and proactively provides extra support to help her succeed. My daughter loves Mrs. Pena's energetic and positive personality and feels comfortable asking for help when necessary. She frequently shares Mrs. Pena's words of wisdom with me outside of school. I love hearing her repeat these sayings that inspire hard work and perseverance. Almost every week, my daughter has to miss school to receive medical care. Mrs. Pena not only sends assignments home, but also allows my daughter to zoom in to class. This not only helps her keep up with her school work, but also makes her feel like a valuable member of the class, even when she is not physically in the building. We are grateful to Mrs. Pena for her ongoing support."

-a Belle View ES parent

Ruby Brown, Stone MS

"My son is in Mrs. Brown's eighth-grade algebra class. We enrolled him in the daily algebra course for additional support and structure. Although he has struggled with math in the past, and I was nervous about him having to learn algebra, it has turned into one of his favorite classes. When we ask him about the course at home, he regularly describes Mrs. Brown as one of his favorite teachers. His positive attitude and excellent grades directly reflect the work and dedication she is pouring into her students. I just wanted to send an email to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that she has demonstrated."

-a Stone MS parent

Reis DeBruyne, London Towne ES

"My son is in Mrs. Clay's first-grade class and receives one-on-one instruction from Mr. DeBruyne. While my son has struggled in some areas academically, Mr. DeBruyne has continually worked to provide caring, patient, well-thought-out, and well-articulated instruction to help him succeed. He has been a wealth of knowledge and insight, regularly communicating with us and providing updates/adjustments to his needs. During these young, developmental academic years, Mr. DeBruyne has made a lasting impact on my son. I just wanted to send an email to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that he has demonstrated."

-a London Towne ES parent

Marly Nunez Gamarra, Groveton ES

"Ms. Marly, a PreK instructional assistant, is a caring and consistent instructor for her PreK classroom. Each morning she greets her students with a warm smile and makes sure they know they are safe and cared for. Whenever the teacher is out, Ms. Marly is able to keep the classroom running to insure that children learn, have fun, and have a quality PreK experience. Every time I visit her room, her calm demeanor is infectious for everyone around her. Despite various challenges in the last few years, Ms. Marly continues to show up for her students with her bright smile. Every child in her classroom is lucky to have her."

- Sarah Sibley, Groveton ES

Will Lundregan, Fort Hunt ES

"Will goes above and beyond to assist the children in his care. Always optimistic and positive concerning the students, especially the students he is assigned to as an instructional assistant, in the special ed. Department. He even assists willingly, with class activities and shares positive words of encouragement to the students in general. Everybody appreciates and looks up to Mr. Will. His special students are quite attached to him and look forward to his presence daily. Very willing to assist in any possible way and also always shares a cheerful word to brighten one’s day. I admire his patience and willingness when interacting with the children and teachers also."

- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

Amanda Purcell, Fort Belvoir Primary ES

" Mrs. Purcell goes above and beyond by embodying the belief that education is not simply about instruction—it is about partnership. She understands that raising children takes a village, and she actively works alongside parents to ensure that students are growing not only academically, but also in character, discipline, and leadership. Her level of communication is unparalleled, providing parents with the insights and tools needed to reinforce lessons at home. She intuitively knows when a child needs encouragement, when they need discipline, and how to guide them in a way that is both firm and compassionate—an ability that comes from her genuine care and investment in her students. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Purcell plays an instrumental role in shaping young lives. She is not just a teacher; she is a mentor and a role model. She creates a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and valued. Her ability to connect with children on a personal level ensures that each student receives the guidance they need to become respectful, honorable, and impactful individuals. Speaking as a parent, I have personally seen the effect she has on my son. The values and discipline we instill at home are reinforced through her teaching, making it clear that she sees her role as more than just an educator—she sees herself as a key figure in helping raise future leaders. During a recent discussion with other parents, many of whom send their children to prestigious private schools, I found myself sharing how grateful I am for Mrs. Purcell, as she provides the same level of mentorship, structure, and care that parents often seek in specialized education. Mrs. Purcell’s dedication to her students and her willingness to go above and beyond in her role make her an invaluable asset to this school. She is shaping the future not just through academics, but through the lives she touches daily, ensuring that each student leaves her classroom not just smarter, but better prepared to be honorable, respectful, and capable members of society. "

-a Fort Belvoir Primary ES parent